Pen holder



NW. 6, 1951 A, MART, 2,574,340

PEN HOLDER Filed Jan. 13, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet l R31 vi C. A. MARTIN Nov.6, 1951 PEN HOLDER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 13, 1949 ATTOR N EY Nov.6, 1951 c. A. MARTIN 2,574,340

PEN HOLDER Filed Jan. 15, 1949 4 Shees-Sheet 5 I I IQIJ.

- Vi JQ harles A.M; ri;

ATTO R N EY Nov. 6, 1951 c. A. MARTIN PEN HOLDER 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledJan. 13, 1.5}49

ATTO R N EY Patented Nov. 6, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PEN HOLDERCharlesA. Martin, Tupelo, Miss. Application January 13, 1949, Serial No.70,610

' l The present invention relates generally to pen holders andparticularly to a holder adapted to sustain a pocket-type fountain penon end and in an erect angular position from the surface of a desk orthe like.

Desk fountain pens are well known in combinationwith holders forsustaining them in an erect angular position. Such holders usuallycomprise a base with a funnel-like tube closed at one end and flaredopen at the other. The closed end of the tube is attached by somesuitable means to the "base adapted to rest on the desk, whereby thetube serves to receive'andsupport the point portionof the fountain pen.Heretofora'such fountain pens were designed purely for use as desk pensand the holders are not adapted to hold or support .a pocket typefountain pen, as the pen point tubes or caps aresecured permanently tothe holder base.

An object of the present invention, therefore,

is to provide a novel pen holder for pocket-type fountain pens, wherebysuch pens may be used as desk pens when desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel means fordetachably supporting the pen cap of a pocket-type fountain pen on abase novelly designed for the purpose.

A further and more specific object is to provide a novel means fordetachably supporting the cap of a conventional pocket-type fountain penwherein there is provided a resilient holding element which cooperateswith the usual clasp or clip carried by the fountain pen cap to maintainthe cap in the desired upright position'on the base for use.

Still another object of the invention is toprovide in a device forsupporting or maintaining the cap of a conventional pocket-type fountainpen in upright position, a base having a receiving pocket in which theclosed end of the cap is positioned together with a spring actuatedreciprocable element connected to the base adjacent to the pocket andcarrying a means whereby-it may 'be engaged against the end of theconventional spring clip carried by the cap to force the cap down intothe pocket and thus maintain the cap firmly in the desired position foruse.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as thedescription of the same pro- .ceeds and the invention Will be bestunderstood from :a consideration of the following detailed descriptiontaken .in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part ofthe specification, with the understanding, however, that :the

invention is .notto be limited torthe exact details 19 Claims. (Cl.120108) of construction shown and described since obvious modificationswill occur to a person skilled in the art.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of one embodiment of my novel pen holdershowing a cap of a pockettype fountain pen held therein.

Figure 2 is a view in cross section of the holder taken along the line2-2 of Figure 1, showing in detail ameans for holding the end cap of afountain pen and a fountain pen cap in place in the holder.

Figure 3is a sectional view taken on the-line 3-3 of Figure 2 showingthe coaction between the holder and the pen cap clasp.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention,the line of section corresponding to the line indicated for Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a view partly in elevation andpartly in section illustratinganother embodiment-of the invention.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 1-7 ofFigure 6.

Figure-8 is a sectional view takensubstantially on the line 88 of Fig re6..

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a view in plan Ofth,e spring retaining plate attached tothe stem of the holder shown in Figure 6.

Figure '11 is ,a view partly insection and partly in elevation ofanother embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on the line I2-|.2 01 Figure 11.

Figure 13 is ;a view partly in elevation and partl-yin-section of astill further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a sectional view takensubstantially on the line 14-44 ofFigure 13.

Figure 15 is a sectional view of .a portion of the base itself takensubstantially on the line 15-45 of Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a view partly in elevation and 'partly in section of stillanother embodiment.

Figure 17 is a sectional view taken .Qnthe line 'l"!-,l1ofjFi gure 1-6.p

Figure .18 is a "view partly in section and 'p rt- .131 in.elevat-ionqof a still r-further embodiment.

Figure 19 is -:a view partly in section :and partly in elevation ofanotherembodiment .ofthe invention.

.Eigure 320 is =awiew :partlylin elevation an 65 partly in s ction ofastillfurther embodiment.

Figure 21 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of yetanother embodiment.

Figure 22 is a view in plan of the pen cap clasp engaging head of thedevice illustrated in Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 23-23 ofFigure 21.

Figure 24 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of a stillfurther embodiment of the invention.

Figure 25 is a detailed sectional view on an enlarged scale of a part ofthe structure shown in Figure 24.

Figure 26 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 26-26 ofFigure 24.

Figure 27 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2|-2'| ofFigure 24. V j

' The embodiment of the present invention 11- lustrated in Figures 1 to3 comprises a weighted provides for the reception of any conventionalfountain pen cap regardless of whether the cap is hexagonal, square orround in shape. The apex of the socket I6 is preferably slightly off theprecise center point of the top l2, so as to better provide for anangular canting of the pen cap I! from its position in the socket l6.

Adjacent the socket I6 is defined a cylindrical socket l8, as by boringdownwardly at an angle into the base ID from top l2. The angularposition thus imparted to the interior bore of the socket It! providesfor the angular slant of the fountain pen cap I 1, as will hereinafterbe explained, as the description proceeds.

Fixed in the cylindrical bore I8 is a cylinder or tube 20 open at eachend. To secure the tube 20 in the bore |8, the side II is bored out atH! to provide for a securing member, such as screw 2|, which threadsthrough a portion of the base l into engagement with the lower end ofthe tube 20.

Telescopically mounted inside of the tube is a second relatively smallcylinder or tube 23 open at its lower end, and closed by a cap 24 at itsupper end. The upper end of tube 23 projects beyond the upper end oftube 20, and the cap 24 on the end of tube 23 carries a forked tongue25, which may be an integral part of cap 24.

The forked tongue 25 is curved downwardly at each tine 26 and 21, so asto form a seat or notch that holds the free end of a clip 28 of thefountain pen cap H, see Figure 2.

Just below the cap 24 and transversely mounted in the tube 23 is a pin30, see Figure 2, to which is fastened one end of a spring 3|. The otherend of the spring 3| fastens to a second transverse pin 32 in the lowerend of tube 20, so that the convolutions of the coiled spring 3| areconfined within the bores of the tubes 26 and 23. Thus normally thespring 3| pulls the tube 23 downward into the tube 20, Accordingly, thecap 24 and forked tongue 25 serve to yield-ably pull down on the clip 28of the fountain pen cap l1, shown in Figure 2, and thus hold the same inan erect angular position from the conical pocket l6.

To facilitate manipulation of the pen cap holding mechanism, there isprovided a knob 33 having a skirt portion 34 and a threaded shank 35.The shank 35 threads in a small threaded bore in the side of tube 23,and projects outwardly therefrom through an elongated slot 36 extendinglongitudinally along the tube 20. This slot 36 is made of apredetermined length, so as to cooperate with the projection andretraction of the telescopically mounted tube 23. For example, the skirt34 of the knob 33 slides outside the slot 36, and the shank 35 abutsagainst each end of the slot to limit the extent of movement of theinner tube 23, and particularly at the upper end of the slot 36, so asto always retain the tube 23, at least partially within the tube 26.

A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5wherein the base, of any suitable form, is designated |0a and the pencap holding socket is designated |6a. In this embodiment the base isprovided with a passage 40 of rectangular cross section parallel withthe longitudinal axis'of the socket "id, in which is slidably mounted astem 4|, the upper end of which has the backwardly directed portion 42.This stem is held in the suitable adjusted position by means of the setscrew 43.

Carried upon the upper end of the stem 4| by means of the upstandingbracket 44 which has the backwardly turned upper end portion 45, is theforked member 46. The bracket member is of flat resilient material sothat the portion 45 thereof may be readily bent or flexed to raise orlower the cap engaging fork 46 as desired to engage the ball end of thepen cap clip in the socket The member 46 has the rearwardly extendingtongue portion.48 which is secured to the spring bracket as illustratedand this tongue portion has the downwardly turned or turned undermovement limiting finger 49 which engages beneath the rearwardly turnedterminal portion 42 of the stem 4| as shown. By pressing the finger uponthe roughened disk portion 50 of the cap holder, the forked forward endportion 46 may be caused to raise so as to disengage the pen cap clip orto facilitate the putting of the clip and pen cap in the position shownin Figure 4. It will be understood that the part 4| will be adjusted andheld by the screw 43 in such position that only a slight down pressureupon the portion 50 of the cap holder is necessary to facilitate theengagement of the clip under the holder or its disengagement therefromand that when the pressure is released upon the part 50 the springaction of the bracket 44 will press the part 46 down to engage the clip.

Figures 6 to 9 inclusive illustrate a third embodiment of the inventionwherein the base is generally designated lllb and may be of any desiredform. This base has in the top thereof the pen cap receiving socket |6bto receive the pen cap as shown.

Also formed in the base |0b on a, line paralleling the longitudinal axisof the socket N31), is a passage of square or rectangular cross sectionas shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this passage is slidably mounted thetube 56 of corresponding cross sectional form and which tube is open atits lower end and has a head 58 in its upper end which has a centralopening 59 therein of polygonal cross sectional design as illustrated inFigure 9. This tube 56 is maintained in longitudinal adjusted positionby the set screw 60.

Slidably extended through the opening 59 is a stem 6| of the'same crosssectional form as the opening and carrying upon its upper end the forkedhead plate 62 which is adapted to straddle the pen cap as shown andwhich has formed from the underside therein a socket 63 to receive theball end of the pen cap clip as illustrated.

The lower or inner end of the stem 6! has the vform of a spear head asindicated at 54 whereby opposite shoulders 65 are formed. This head 64of the stem is connected with a spring retaining plate 66 through themedium of two resilient tongues 61 which are cut from the plate as shownin Figure 10 and have their free ends in spaced Opposing relationwhereby the head 64 of the stem may be forced between them, the tonguesspringing back toward their original positions to engage under theshoulders 65 and thereby secure the plate on the stem. This plate 56 isof polygonal design so that it will fit within the'tube 56 in the mannerillustrated.

Encircling the stem 6i and interposed between the top 51 thereof and theplate 55, is a spring 68 which by reason of its constant tendency toexpand tends to pull the cap engaging plate 62 and the stem 6:downwardly toward the top of the base so as to firmly secure the pen capin position in the manner illustrated.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the inventionwherein the base, of any desired form, is generally designated I00 andthe pen cap receiving socket formed in the top is generally designatedI50.

As in the other forms the base in this ,form is provided with a passageof polygonal cross section, here shown as being square, and designated10. This passage is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the socketI60 and it has fixed therein the sleeve H of corresponding crosssectional form. The sleeve is held against movement and in the desiredadjusted position by the set screw 12.

Slidably engaged in the sleeve H from the upper end is the tube 13 whichcarries upon its upper end the forked plate M which at one end engagesaround the cap when the latter is positioned in the socket H50 in themanner shown. This plate, like the previously described ones has asocket pressed therein from the underside as indicated at '15 to receivethe ball of the pen cap securing clip.

The upper end of the tube i3 has a portion of one side wall cut away andpressed inwardly to form the inwardly projecting finger T6 and acorrespondingly formed finger TI is formed from and extends inwardly inthe sleeve H at the lower end thereof. These fingers l6 and "l? areconnected by the contractile spring 18 which thus I functions toconstantly urge downward movement of the tube 73 into the sleeve.

In view of the description of the preceding embodiments the operation ofthis fourth embodiment will be readily apparent.

Figures 13 to inclusive illustrate a fifth embodiment wherein the base,of any suitable or desired form, is generally designated lfld. This formis provided, like the other forms, with a socket for the reception ofthe pen cap but such socket is formed in an adjustable member ratherthan directly in the body of the base. As shown the base is providedwith a tapped bore 80 in which is threaded the round exteriorly'threadednut 81, in the top of which is formed the cap receiving socket which isdesignated ltd- Also formed in the base ,illd is the passage '82 whichis parallel. with the bore 89, both of which are inclined as in thepreceding embodiments.

Thepassage 82 terminates short of the top of the base'as shown andtheintervening portionof the base has the small opening 83 formedtherethrough on the longitudinal center of the passage 82 and throughthis opening, which is of polygonal cross section, extends the stem 84which is of similar cross sectional form and which has at its upper endthe cap engaging plate 85 which is connected with the stem by thelateral or goose neck extension 86. The plate 85 is forked to receivethe pen cap and has a socket 8'! in its underside to receive the ball ofthe cap holding clip.

The passage 82 is of rectangular form and positioned therein is a springsupporting plate 88 which is of the same character as the plate 66.Likewise the lower end of the stem'M is of spear form as in thedescribed third embodiment and is here indicated at 89 to engage throughthe plate 88 to hold the latter thereon and in the passage 82. Betweenthe plate 83 and the upper end of the passage 82 is the expansion spring90 which normally urges downward movement of the stem 84 for the obviouspurpose of holding the cap firmly in position in the socket Hid. In thisform of the invention it will be apparent that instead of providingmeans for adjusting the position of the clip engaging plate as in thepreceding forms the necessary adjustment is in the cap supporting partof the device. To facilitate the adjustment of the nut 8| the bottompart thereof is provided with a slot 91 inwhich may be. engaged an endof a screw driver or other suitable instrument for turning the nut.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the sixth embodiment of the inventionwherein the base,:of any suitable form, is generally designated like.,This base likewise has a tapped bore therein which is generallydesignated 95 and in which .is threaded the nut 96 which has formed inthe top thereof the cap receiving socket '56. The bottom of the nut hasa slot 97 for the same purpose as the slot 9| in the nut 8|.

Paralleling the axis of the bore 95 is a passage 98 formed in the baseand having a polygonal cross sectional form as shown. Secured in theupper end of this passage is the plug 99 which has formed along theaxial center thereof the through passage I00 which is of polygonal formand slidably receives the stem I01 which carries upon its upper end theforked plate I02 which engages partway around the pen cap and which hasthe socket I03 formed in its underside to receive'the ball of the pencap securing clip.

The lower end of the stem 10! which is within the passage 98 below theplug 98 is reduced against the underside of the plug 99. Thus the springnormally tends to urge the 'stem and plate downwardly to hold the platein firm engagement with the pen clip. Downward movement of the stem islimited by the collar 206 carried thereon above the plug 99.

Figure 18 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the invention. In thisform the body, of any desired form, is generally designated 93 and inthe sloping or inclined top face thereof is formed the pen cap receivingsocket i551.

In the underside of the body is a chamber I H) from which'a passage I ll leads upwardly and opens through thetop of the base body, the passagebeing at the low side of the socket it) as shown.

Secured to the topwall of the-chamber at H2,

is an arm H3 of suitable spring material which has an upwardly extendingstem portion H4 which passes through the passage III to a substantialdistance above the inclined top surface of the base. Upon the upper endof this stem I I4 is mounted the forked plate I I5 corresponding to theplates or head units hereinbefore described which plate has the socketH6 in its underside to receive the ball end of the pen cap securingclip. As will be readily apparent the spring action of the arm H3 isdesigned to pull the plate H5 downwardly so as to maintain the capfirmly in the socket I6f and release of the cap is effected by pullingup upon the plate H5 against the tension of the spring arm until the endof the clip is released from the socket H6. The same action is performedfor the purpose of placing the pen cap in the socket as will be readilyapparent.

Figure 19 illustrates an eighth form of the invention wherein the baseis generally designated I09 and has formed in the top surface the capreceiving socket I6g. Adjacent to the pocket and parallel with thelongitudinal axis thereof is formed in the base the bore I20 in which isslidably engaged the stem I2I which is secured in adjusted position bythe set screw I22 which is threaded into the wall of the socket I6g tothe passage I20 as illustrated.

The upper end of the stem I2I carries by means of the integralrearwardly extending spring goose neck I23, the pen clip engaging plateI24 of a form similar to the plate 85.

Figure 20 illustrates a ninth embodiment of the invention wherein thebase is generally designated I071. and which has formed therein from thetop the tapped bore I in which is threaded the nut I3I which has formedin the top thereof the pen cap receiving socket IJh and which also hasin the bottom the slot I32 to facilitate the engagament of a suitableinstrument with the nut for turning the latter.

Paralleling the bore I30 is the passage I33 the upper end of which iscontinued through the body by the small passage I34 in which is slidablymounted the stem I35. Upon the upper end of the stem is carried by meansof the rearwardly extending resilient or spring goose neck I35, the capclip engaging forked plate I31 which is of the same form as the platesand supporting stems shown in Figures 13 and 19.

Within the passage I33 the lower end of the stem I35 is reduced asindicated at I 38 and has secured to such reduced end one end of anexpansion spring I39 which surrounds the stem and bears at its other endagainst the top end of the passage I33 and normally urges downwardmovement of the stem and the plate carried thereby.

Figures 21 to 23 illustrate a tenth embodiment of the invention whereinthe base, of any desired form or size is generally designated I02 andwhich may be made of hard rubber, synthetic resin or other similarmaterial. In the sloping top of the base is formed the pen cap receivingsocket I61 and adjacent to this socket and Paralleling the longitudinalaxis thereof there is fitted in the base as by molding or in any othersuitable manner, the interiorly threaded sleeve I in which is threadablyengaged a threaded post I46. This post I46 is split throughout the majorportion of its length as indicated at I41 whereby a friction threadedengagement will be obtained which will maintain the post against turningmovement when no pen cap is in place in the holder.

- The upper end ofuthe post 146 has a reduced portion forming a neck I48and this neck, as shown in Figure 23 passes through an aperture I49 inthe arm portion I50 which is formed integral with the forked capengaging member I5I. The rear end of the arm portion, beyond the neckI48 from the forked portion I5I is bent back over the top of the post asindicated at I52 and secured to the post by the screw or other securingelement I53. The member or plate I5I, as in the preceding forms issuitably formed at I54 for engagement with the ball end of the pen capsecuring clip and it will be readily apparent that since the arm portionI50 is of a thickness less than the length of the neck portion I48, someslight amount of movement is permitted the forked plate whereby tofacilitate the ready application and removal of the cap.

Figures 24 to 27 inclusive illustrate the eleventh embodiment of theinvention wherein the base portion which may be of any suitable form, isgenerally designated I07. Formed in the sloping top of the base I0? isthe pen cap receiving socket I67 and paralleling the longitudinal axisof this socket is a passage I60 in which is fitted an end of a post I6Iof polygonal cross section and adapted to slide up and down in thepassage.

Threaded in the material of the body transversely to the passage I60from the wall of the socket I69, is a set screw I62 which engages thepost or stem I6I to secure the latter in adjusted position.

The upper end of the stem I6I has the reduced terminal portion I63 whichis turned down to a smaller diameter between its end to form the reducedcircular neck I63a. From the neck I63a the stem is completely circularand screw threaded forming the head I64. Below the neck I63a the stemhas the opposite flattened faces I63!) and the curved parts thereof arescrew threaded as shown.

The stem [BI is threaded in a tapped bore I65 formed axially in and fromthe lower end of a nut body I66.

Threaded through the wall of the body I66 perpendicular to the bore I65to project into the same is a set screw I61 which is adapted to enterthe space between the threaded sections which are separated by thecircular portion I63 to limit the axial movement of the nut.

The numeral I68 designates the forked plate which engages the pen capand this plate has an elongated opening I69 therein through which theterminal portion I63 of the stem passes. The flat faces I631) of thestem portion oppose the long edges of the opening I69 whereby the plateis held a ainst turning. From one end of the opening I69 there extendsthe spring tongue I10 which is ofiset from the plane of the plate I68and bears against the shoulder formed by the upper end portion of thestem I6I around the neck I63. This spring tongue I10 tends to lift theforked end of the plate I68 and thus it will be seen that after the pencap has been placed in position as illustrated in Figure 24 the nut I66may be threaded downwardly until the set screw comes into line with thecircular portion I63a of the neck whereupon it is threaded inwardly toengage under the head I64 and thus hold the nut against outward orretrograde movement. However, the nut may be turned so as to be threadedfarther inwardly and in this manner downward pressure is applied to theplate I68 against the action of the spring tongue I10, to flatten thespring in the manner shown in Figure 24 and thus cause the socket I 1Iwhich is formed in the underside of the forked plate to be brought downinto engagement with theball end. of the cap retaining clip asillustrated.

Iclaim:

1. A holder for a fountain pen cap, comprising abase having a top, thebase being provided with a socket having an open top directed throughthe said top of the base to receive the top end of the pen cap, the basealso having a passage therein substantially parallel with thelongitudinal axis of said socket, an elongate member'having one endextended into said passage and extending at its other end a substantialdistance above the 'top of the base, a pen cap engaging element carriedupon the said other end of said elongate member, said elongate memberbeing movable longitudinally in said passage, and means connected withsaid elongate member for urging movement oft'he pen cap engaging elementinto holding connection with a pen-cap supported in said socket.

2. A holder of the character stated in claim 1 wherein the said pen capengaging element comprises a plate formed to provide a fork forpartially encircling the pen cap and means forming a part of said platefor engaging the free end of a spring clip carried by the cap.

3. A holder for a fountain-pen cap, comprising a base having a top, thebase having an-upwardly directed open socket for receiving the top endof a fountain pen cap, the base also having a passage therein adjacentto and parallel with the longitudinal axis of the socket, a relativelylong member having an end portion disposed in the passage forlongitudinal movement therein and having the opposite end portionextended a substantial distance above the said top of the base, and aforked member carried upon the said other end of said long member andextending laterally therefrom for partial engagement around a pen capsupported in said socket, said forked member being adapted forengagement with the free end of a clasp member carried by the pen cap.

4. A pen cap holder of the character stated in claim 3, with meansconnected with said long member for urging movement of said forkedmember into holding engagement with the cap and clip.

5. A holder for a fountain pen cap as set forth in claim 3, with springmeans connected with said long member and constantly urging movementthereof in a direction to force the forked member into holdingengagement with the pen clip.

6. A holder for a fountain pen cap carrying a spring clip, comprising abase having a top, the base having an upwardly opening socket in the topthereof to receive the top end of the pen cap, a relatively 101lgmember, means supporting said long member adjacent to the socket and formovement on a line paralleling the axial center of the socket, and aforked element carried by said long member and directed therefrom forengagement with a pen cap supported in said socket, said forked memberbeing formed to receive the free end of a spring clip carried by the pencap to hold the cap in the socket when the forked member is moved towardthe socket.

7. A holder for a fountain pen carrying a spring clip, comprising a basehaving a top, the base having an upwardly opening socket in the top toreceive the top end of a pen cap, the base also havin a passage formedtherein adjacent to the socket, a stem slidably extended into thepassage from the top end thereof, a plate carried upon the lower end ofthe stem, means maintaining the Stem against turning movement in thepassage but permitting axial movement of the stem, spring'meansencircling the stem and enclosed within the passage and engaged at oneend against said plate, means securing the other end of the spring inthe top of the passage whereby to normally urge inward movement of thestem, and a holding plate carried upon the upper end of the stem andadapted to engage against the free end of the spring clip of a pen capmounted in said socket. 1

8. A fountain pencap holder of the character stated in claim '7, whereinthe said holding plate carried upon the upper end of the stem isconnected to the stem by a resilient goose neck.

9. A holder for a fountain pen cap carrying a spring clip, comprising. abase having a top, the base having an upwardly opening socket in thetopto receive the top end of a pen cap, the base also having a passageformed therein adjacent to the socket and opening through the .top ofthe base, a relatively long element slidably extended into the passagefrom the top of the base, means for holding the element in adjustedposition in the passage, a plate member connected to' the upper end ofthe element, said plate member be ing adapted to position adjacent to acap mounted in the socket and to engage the free end of a spring clipcarried by the cap.

10. The invention as set forth in claim 1, with an upwardly directedopen ended cylinder in said passage, said elongate member comprising asecond cylinder slidably positioned in the first cylinder, said capengaging element forming a closure cap for the second cylinder andincluding a tongue, an element carried by and directed transversely ofsaid second cylinder below the cap thereon, and said means'for urgingmovement of the pen cap engaging element comprising a spring attached tothe first cylinder adjacent to the lower end thereof and extendingthrough the second cylinder and connected to said element, and means formoving said second cylinder in said first cylinder against the tensionof said spring.

11. The invention according to claim 10, wherein the last named meanscomprises a bolt secured to said second cylinder and extending through aslot formed longitudinally of the first cylinder, and a knob carried bythe outer end of said bolt.

12. The invention as set forth in claim 1, with an upwardly directed,elongate hollow member in the passage and having a top wall providedwith a central opening, said first elongate member passing through saidopening, a plate secured upon the lower end of the first elongate memberand lying transversely of the hollow member, and said movement urgingmeans comprising a spring encircling the lower part of the firstelongate member and interposed between said plate and said top wall.

13. The invention according to claim 12, wherein said hollow member isof polygonal cross sectional form and said plate has a straight sideedge portion in sliding contact with a flat. side of the hollow member.

14. The invention as set forth in claim 1, with an upwardly directed,elongate hollow member in the passage and having a top wall providedwith a central opening, said first elongate member passing through saidopening, a plate secured upon the lower end of the first elongate memberand lying transversely of the hollow member, said movement urging meanscomprising a spring encircling the lower part of the first elongatemember and interposed between said plate and said top wall, and meanssecuring the hollow member adjustably to the base.

15. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elongate memberis hollow and open at the end within the passage, said movement urgingmeans comprising a coil spring disposed in the elongate member andextending through the open end thereof into the passage, means securingthe lower end of the spring in the passage, and means for attaching theupper end of the spring to said elongate member.

16. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said movement urgingmeans comprises a coil spring encircling the lower end portion of saidelongate member, means coupling the lower end of the spring with thelower end portion of said member, and means at the upper end of saidpassage providing a surface against which the upper end of the springbears.

17. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein the base includes acircular part in which said socket is formed, said circular part beingthreadably joined with the other part of the base for adjustmentlengthwise of said axis.

18. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elongate memberis screw threaded in said passage, and said movement urging means 12comprises a resilient element secured to the top end of the elongatemember and to the cap engaging element.

19. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elongate memberhas a top end portion of reduced diameter forming a shoulder, a nutthreaded on the reduced portion, said cap engaging element comprising aplate having an opening through which said reduced portion extends, andsaid movement urging means comprises a spring tongue carried by theplate and having a free end in offset relation to the plane of the faceof the plate nearest to the shoulder and resting upon the shoulder.

CHARLES A. MAR'IIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,516,489 Barton Nov. 25, 19241,730,487 Utzman Oct. 8, 1929 1,892,181 Tefft Dec. 2'7, 1932 1,922,891Griffith Aug. 15, 1933 2,151,440 Pollak Mar. 21, 1939 2,319,377 Wallaceet a1 May 18, 1943

